United News of Bangladesh

The undergraduate (Honours) first-year admission test of Jahangirnagar University (JU) for the 2025–26 academic session will begin on Sunday with the examination of ‘C’ unit. The university authorities have issued nine important instructions for candidates appearing in the admission test, Syed Mohammad Ali Reza, member secretary of the university’s Admission Management Committee and deputy registrar (education), said on Saturday evening. 1.      Candidates must fill in the OMR answer sheet properly using a black ballpoint pen. Any incorrectly filled OMR sheet will be considered invalid. The form must not be folded, torn, stained, stapled or pinned. 2.      Candidates are required to write their roll number, shift and question set code in English. Both the OMR sheet and question paper must be submitted to the invigilator at the end of the examination. 3.      Information regarding exam centre and seat can be found on the downloaded admit card. 4.      Candidates must reach the centre at least 10 minutes before the examination begins. 5.      No bags, books, mobile phones, watches, calculators or any electronic devices will be allowed inside the examination hall. A wall clock will be available in the hall for time management. 6.      Only candidates and concerned officials will be permitted to enter the examination centre. 7.      The results of the admission test will be published within seven days after the completion of the examination on the website: ju-admission.org. Jahangirnagar University suspends 16 students over ragging of freshmen 8.      Candidates must bring the original Secondary School Certificate (SSC) registration card along with the admission test admit card. 9.      As the JU campus is located about 30 kilometres away from Dhaka city, candidates have been advised to arrive at the centre well in advance, considering possible traffic congestion. According to university sources, a total of 219,399 applications have been submitted this year against 1,844 seats in seven units, meaning an average of 119 applicants are competing for each seat.    

The two-day Hason Raja Folk Festival–2025 will begin in Sylhet on Sunday, marking the birth anniversary of renowned Sufi poet Hason Raja. Organised by the Hason Raja Folk Literature and Culture Council, the festival will be held at the Central Shaheed Minar premises in Chowhatta area of the city. Programmes will run daily from 3:30pm to 10:00pm. The festival will showcase various aspects of Hason Raja’s life, philosophy and folk heritage through discussions, cultural performances, recitations and renditions of his songs. Dr Jahirul Islam Achinpuri, president of the central committee of the Hasan Raja Folk Literature and Culture Council, said Hasan Raja’s birthday falls on December 21. He said the council has been working to revive Bengal’s traditional Sufi culture with the aim of promoting a non-violent, intellectual, creator-centred and afterlife-centred society. Researchers, artists, litterateurs and cultural activists from different parts of the country are expected to participate in the festival, he added, noting that enthusiasm has already been created in Sylhet’s cultural arena surrounding the event. 56 migratory birds freed from poachers and released in Sylhet Dr Achinpuri also said the festival was originally scheduled to begin on Saturday, December 20, but was deferred by a day in observance of the National Mourning Day announced by the government for the demise of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The organisers urged people from all walks of life to attend the festival with their families.  

Hollywood actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson has dedicated his latest film, The Smashing Machine, to the memory of 15 friends he lost to addiction and suicide over the past two decades. In an interview with Variety, the 53-year-old actor said the biopic, which portrays the life of legendary UFC fighter Mark Kerr, reflects not only Kerr’s journey but also the struggles of countless people battling mental health issues. “In a way, The Smashing Machine is a love letter to the men and women who struggle, who have made it on the other side, and who didn’t,” Johnson said. Johnson, who has been open about his own battles with depression, revealed that losing friends over the years deeply influenced the project. “Over the past two decades, I lost exactly 15 friends to addiction and suicide, who just couldn’t handle the pressure,” he added. The actor also recalled his personal experiences with mental health challenges, including suffering from depression at the age of 23 after failing to qualify for professional football, and witnessing his mother attempt suicide when he was 15. He stressed the importance of support, encouraging people to talk openly about their struggles and reminding them that they are not alone. Johnson has previously spoken about helping those facing depression. In 2018, he advised on social media to support loved ones by listening and guiding them through difficult times. “Everybody is fighting demons, and a lot of people keep it in. A lot of people don’t talk about it,” he said, reflecting on lessons learned over the years. The Smashing Machine is set to reach audiences worldwide while Johnson continues to work on upcoming projects, including the live-action Moana, an untitled Jumanji sequel, and Fast X: Part 2.   With inputs from NDTV

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there would be no further wars after Ukraine if Western countries treat Russia with respect and acknowledge its security interests, dismissing claims that Moscow plans to attack Europe as “nonsense”. Speaking during his annual televised “Direct Line” question-and-answer marathon on Friday, Putin told the BBC that Russia would not launch any new military operations if the West respected Russian interests and stopped what he described as deception over Nato’s eastward expansion. He again accused Western leaders of breaking promises made to the former Soviet Union in the early 1990s, a claim previously denied by the late Mikhail Gorbachev. Putin said Russia was ready to work with Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom as equals and expressed willingness to end the war in Ukraine, provided Russia’s long-term security was guaranteed. However, he reiterated demands previously outlined in June, including Ukraine withdrawing forces from four partially occupied regions and abandoning its bid to join Nato. The nearly four-and-a-half-hour event, broadcast live from Moscow, combined questions from the public and journalists, with organisers claiming more than three million submissions. While the programme was largely choreographed, some critical comments about rising prices, internet outages and public services were shown on screen. Putin also addressed economic challenges, including inflation and a VAT increase set to take effect in January, as Russia’s central bank announced a cut in interest rates to 16%. Hours after the broadcast, Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian missile strike in the southern Odesa region killed seven people and injured 15 others. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin maintained that Russian forces were advancing on the battlefield and rejected Western intelligence warnings that Moscow could attack Nato countries in the coming years. He insisted that responsibility for prolonging the conflict lay with Kyiv and its Western backers, while praising US President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace.   With inputs from BBC

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) released the first batch of highly anticipated documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, offering a glimpse into thousands of pages of investigative records, photographs, and videos. The release follows a law passed by Congress requiring the Justice Department to make the files public in their entirety, although officials said they could not meet the full deadline. The initial tranche of documents includes numerous high-profile figures, such as former US President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and entertainers including Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Chris Tucker. However, legal experts and authorities emphasize that being mentioned or pictured in the files does not imply any wrongdoing. Many of those named in the documents have consistently denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. Bill Clinton appears in multiple images Several photographs released feature former US President Bill Clinton. Some images show him swimming in a pool, while others depict him reclining in a hot tub with his hands behind his head. Clinton had multiple documented interactions with Epstein during the 1990s and early 2000s, before Epstein’s first arrest. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse have not accused Clinton of wrongdoing, and he has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal acts. Clinton’s spokesperson, Angel Ureña, commented on the photos, describing them as decades old and reiterating that the former president was not involved in Epstein’s crimes. “They can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn’t about Bill Clinton. Never has, never will be,” Ureña said on social media. Trump mentioned in files The documents also reference current US President Donald Trump, though the mention is limited. Court filings suggest that Epstein allegedly introduced a 14-year-old girl to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida during the 1990s. The documents claim Epstein “playfully asked” Trump, in reference to the girl, “this is a good one, right?” According to the filing, Trump smiled and nodded, and both men laughed, leaving the girl feeling uncomfortable. The alleged victim did not accuse Trump of any wrongdoing in the filing. Following the release, Trump’s political team highlighted the photographs of Clinton rather than addressing the allegations involving the president. Trump has previously stated that he was a friend of Epstein but said their relationship ended around 2004, years before Epstein’s arrest. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. Prince Andrew and other high-profile figures One photograph in the files appears to show Prince Andrew lying across the laps of several people, with convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell standing nearby. Andrew has faced years of scrutiny for his past association with Epstein, although he has consistently denied witnessing or participating in any criminal activity related to Epstein. The newly released documents also feature multiple celebrities. Epstein is shown posing with Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Mick Jagger. In some images, Clinton is pictured alongside Jackson and Ross. Other photos include Chris Tucker sitting next to Clinton at a dining table or standing near a private jet with Maxwell. The DOJ has not provided details regarding when or where these photographs were taken, or the nature of Epstein’s association with those pictured. Ghislaine Maxwell and Downing Street A photograph released shows Ghislaine Maxwell alone in front of 10 Downing Street. There is no accompanying context regarding the timing or reason for her visit. Maxwell, who was convicted in connection with Epstein’s crimes, has been a recurring figure in previous file releases. Accuser statements and historical reports The files include early reports from Epstein’s accusers. Artist Maria Farmer, who worked for Epstein, reported to the FBI in 1996 that Epstein had stolen photographs of her 12- and 16-year-old sisters and allegedly threatened to burn her house if she disclosed the theft. Farmer said Epstein asked her to photograph young girls at swimming pools. Her name is redacted in the released documents, though she has confirmed the account belongs to her. “I feel redeemed,” Farmer said, reflecting on nearly 30 years since the incident. Redacted pages and pending releases Many of the documents released on Friday are heavily redacted. Some files, including more than 100 pages from a grand jury investigation, are completely blacked out. The DOJ has said that redactions are necessary to protect the identities of victims or details of ongoing investigations. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the department is reviewing hundreds of thousands of pages, with many more expected to be released in the coming weeks. Blanche emphasized that each page is being vetted to ensure that all victim information is fully protected. The delay in releasing all documents has drawn criticism from lawmakers. Democrats, including Congressman Ro Khanna, have threatened action against DOJ officials, citing potential impeachment or prosecution. Khanna, together with Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, pushed for the Epstein Files Transparency Act to ensure full disclosure, despite opposition from former President Donald Trump. Legal and public context The Epstein files shed light on a vast network of social, political, and entertainment connections that the late financier maintained over decades. While many photos and documents raise questions, officials stress that inclusion in the files is not evidence of criminal behavior. The ongoing public and legal scrutiny surrounding Epstein and Maxwell continues to generate global attention, with hundreds of thousands of pages still under review.   With inputs from BBC

Bangladesh’s capital market extended its losing streak over the past week, with market capitalisation on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) shrinking by more than Tk 10,500 crore amid a broad-based decline in share prices. The market opened the week on Sunday with a capitalisation of Tk 6,86,368 crore, which fell to Tk 6,75,866 crore by Thursday, marking a weekly erosion of Tk 10,501 crore. The sharp fall was driven by price declines in the majority of listed companies. Over the week, prices rose for only 32 companies, while 335 saw declines. Prices of 22 companies remained unchanged and 24 companies did not participate in trading. All indices on the DSE dropped by more than 2 percent during the week. The benchmark DSEX index, which started at 4,963 points, closed at 4,831 points. Due to the Victory Day holiday on December 16, trading took place for four sessions, during which the DSEX lost 132 points, or 2.67 percent. Year-on-year, the DSEX has fallen 7.38 percent. At the same time last year, the benchmark index stood at 5,216 points. Among other indices, the blue-chip DS30 lost 43 points; 2.28 percent in a week, while the Shariah-based DSES fell 33 points; 3.25 percent. The SME index, DSMEX, shed 24 points-- 2.77 percent. The average daily turnover also weakened alongside the decline in market capitalisation and indices. Weekly average turnover dropped by more than 7 percent, falling from Tk 417 crore at the beginning of the week to Tk 387 crore by the final session. Out of the DSE’s 21 sectors, only seven recorded price gains, while the rest witnessed declines. The banking sector posted a 6 percent fall, while prices of non-bank financial institutions plunged by nearly 32 percent. Among the two insurance sectors, general insurance gained more than 19 percent, but life insurance suffered a steep 38 percent decline. In addition to general insurance, prices also gained in the ceramic, corporate bond, food, mutual fund, real estate and textile sectors. Sector-wise turnover also deteriorated, with trading volume declining in almost all sectors except life insurance, corporate bonds, mutual funds and textiles. The non-bank financial institution sector saw its turnover fall by an average of about 52%. Top Gainers Of the top 10 gainers on the DSE, five were ‘A’ category companies that regularly pay dividends of 10 percent or more, two were ‘B’ category firms, and three were ‘Z’ category companies that do not pay dividends. Most of the top gainers belonged to the mutual fund sector. B-category Bangas Ltd topped the gainers’ list, posting a return of nearly 15 percent over four sessions. Its share price rose from Tk 113.50 to Tk 130.50. Reliance One: The First Scheme of Reliance Insurance Mutual Fund ranked second, gaining 14.71 percent, with unit prices rising from Tk 13.60 to Tk 15.60. CAPM IBBL Islamic Mutual Fund secured the third position, with a return of more than 13 percent, as its unit price climbed from Tk 6.80 to Tk 7.70. Z-category Bangladesh Welding Electrodes Ltd stood fourth, gaining over 8 percent, with its share price rising from Tk 12.20 to Tk 13.20. Union Insurance Company Limited ranked fifth, posting an 8 percent return as its share price increased from Tk 32.50 to Tk 35.10. Top Losers Most of the top losers were Z-category companies, except one A-category and one B-category firm. The top two decliners were both from the sugar industry. Shyampur Sugar Mills Ltd suffered the steepest fall, with its return plunging by nearly 21 percent. Its share prices fell by over Tk 40 within a week. Another Z-category sugar mill, Zeal Bangla Sugar Mills Ltd, ranked second, losing over 17 percent as its share price fell by nearly Tk 30 over four sessions. AFC Agro Biotech Ltd placed third with a decline of around 17 percent, followed by Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries Limited, which fell 16.64 percent. FAS Finance & Investment Limited ranked fifth, shedding more than 16 percent. CSE’s Sharp Fall Like the DSE, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a significant downturn, with all indices falling by more than 1.5 percent over four trading sessions. The overall CASPI index dropped 247 points, or 1.78 percent, while the blue-chip CSE30 lost 217 points, or 1.76 percent. The CSCX index, comprising dividend-paying A and B category companies, fell 148 points, or 1.72 percent. Another blue-chip index, CSE50, declined 19 points, or 1.77 percent, while the Shariah-based CSI lost 17 points, or 2.02 percent. Out of 250 traded companies on the CSE, prices fell for 159, rose for 71 and remained unchanged for 20. Bangas Ltd also topped the gainers’ list on the CSE, followed by GQ Ball Pen Industries Limited. On the losing side, Apex Spinning & Knitting Mills recorded the sharpest fall, shedding more than 19 percent. Its share price dropped from Tk 220 at the start of the week to Tk 177 by the end. Emerald Oil Industries Limited ranked second among the losers, with its share price falling by more than 17 percent, or Tk 3 per share, over the week.      

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed deep shock over the death of AK Khandker Bir Uttam, a key hero of the Bangladesh Liberation War and former planning minister. In a condolence message, Fakhrul said, “I deeply sympathise with the bereaved family of AK Khandker over his demise.” He recalled that late AK Khandker, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Forces, was the first Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force and played a brave and heroic role during the Liberation War of 1971. For his exceptional contribution to the war, Fakhrul said AK Khandker was awarded the ‘Bir Uttam’ title and the Independence Award in 2011. “He will always be remembered by the nation for his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War and the freedom of our motherland. His devoted role in protecting the country’s sovereignty and independence will remain an exemplary legacy,” the BNP leader said. Mirza Fakhrul falls ill “I am deeply saddened by his passing and pray to Almighty Allah to grant him a place in Jannah and give patience to his grieving family,” he added. The BNP Secretary General also prayed for the eternal peace of AK Khandker’s soul and expressed profound sympathy to his family, admirers and well-wishers.    

The bodies of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were killed in a drone attack by separatist forces in Sudan arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday (December 20, 2025). A flight of Emirates Airline, carrying the bodies of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers landed at the Airport on Saturday morning, according to a media release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, received the bodies. Read more: Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Sudan: Condolences keep pouring in from international community After a namaz-e-janaza at the Central Mosque of Dhaka Cantonment, the peacekeepers’ bodies will be sent to their respective villages by helicopter and they will be buried with full military honour. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and nine others were injured in a drone attack on the Kadugli logistics base under the UN mission in the Abeï area of Sudan on December 13. The injured personnel are receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. One of them has already been discharged, while the remaining peacekeepers are reported to be out of danger, the ISPR said. Read more: Another Bangladeshi peacekeeper injured in Sudan drone attack

Abu Bakar Siddique, the elder brother of Inquilab Moncho Sharif Osman Hadi, on Saturday (December 20, 2025) questioned the failure to arrest the killers even after seven to eight days of the shooting. “If criminals can open fire after Jum’a prayers in the heart of Dhaka and escape, there can be no greater disgrace for us as a nation,” he said while addressing thousands of mourners before the namaz-e-janaza of Hadi at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. He also demanded a quick and public trial of those responsible for the killing. Read more: Hadi laid to rest beside National Poet’s grave at DU Siddique said his younger brother had devoted his life to protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and left behind a message for the country’s people on how to safeguard the freedom. Hadi is survived by an eight-month-old child who will never know his father, he said, adding, “When the child was born, my brother asked me to choose a name reflecting revolutionary spirit and courage. I named him Firnas.” He said the family has been shattered by the loss, with their mother repeatedly losing consciousness and other siblings suffering severe trauma. He urged people to pray for Hadi’s wife and child, for his injured brother Omar Faruk who was with him during the attack and for his sister Masuma, who is undergoing treatment for severe trauma. Siddique led the janaza prayers around 2:30 pm. ‘Hadi, you’ll never be lost; no one will ever be able to forget you’: Prof Yunus Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain described Hadi as a poet and cultural activist who co-founded the Inquilab Cultural Center to help shape a new cultural narrative for the country. Inquilab Moncho Member Secretary Abdullah Al-Jaber alleged that the killing was the result of a planned conspiracy involving multiple actors. He demanded that the killers, planners and facilitators be brought to justice and urged the Home Affairs Adviser and other officials to publicly explain within 24 hours what steps have been taken so far. He also called on supporters to refrain from violence and warned against acting on any propaganda outside Inquilab Mancha’s directives, saying future programmes would be announced by the platform. Read more: Bangladesh mourns death of Osman Hadi

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday urged vigilance to prevent the killing of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi from being politically exploited to create chaos. “We have strongly condemned this brutal killing. But fallen fascist forces or anyone trying to disrupt the election must not be allowed to use this incident for political gain. Everyone must remain vigilant,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while talking to reporters before attending Hadi’s namaz-e-janaza. He also called upon the people of the country to remain alert to prevent any conspiracy aimed at delaying or disrupting the upcoming election. Later, on behalf of BNP, Salahuddin along with party Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and many other leaders and activists attended the janaza of martyr Osman Hadi. Hadi’s namaz-e-janaza was held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday afternoon. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, advisers, leaders and activists of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Inquilab Moncho, National Citizens Party (NCP), and chiefs of the three services were, among others, present. Mirza Fakhrul falls ill Osman Hadi, also a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18.